Centene reported a $253 million loss in its second quarter as the provider of government-subsidized health benefits struggles to manage costs of its health plan members.

The managed-care company pointed to increased medical spending in Medicaid, due to behavioral health, home health and high-cost drugs.

In its second quarter, the Clayton-based company lost $253 million dollars, 51 cents a share. In the same period last year, Centene saw earnings of $2.26 a share.